I learned to play the trap set when I was 30.
I was playing Congas with the church praise team and they asked me if I knew how to play the trap set since our church had
one languishing underneath a staircaise. I said I didn't know how; they asked if I felt I could learn; before I knew
what was comming out of my mouth I said, "Sure!"
I got the drumset out from underneath the staircase and took it home &
we cleaned it up. I got some practice pads (for my family's benefit) bought books, tapes, and took lessons. In
about six months I was playing well enough that I set the set up at the church (I'd purchased a starter set for myself by
then) and began playing at church with the praise team. In learning to play I learned that I could bang on stuff, do
it in time, relieve LOTS of stress, and praise God at the same time! What a deal!
Some of us from the praise team got together and started a Christian Praise
& Worship band. Soon, I began wishing for a better drumset. One became available that I could afford and it
was a great deal and sutiable to play venues much better than a starter set. They are candy-apple-red Pearls.
We played some venues, mainly small churches, and had wonderful fellowship while we practiced and worked together. Eventually,
we even recorded a demo that got us a spot at Spirit Fest in April 2001. It is an outdoor Christian music fest and fair
held each year at the harbor pavillion. We had a great time playing that event!
Eventually things changed, some members left due to other commitments and
others came and our name changed. We played bigger venues. Our last concert was at a Singles retreat in 2003 as
"Lion's Roar." It was a great event. It was hard to move away and leave these people that I'd worked with for
so long. I still miss playing and worshiping with them.
When I moved I guess things just didn't work out and the band was no more.
One of the regular members (our bass player) and another guitarist that would play with us from time to time went
on to form another band called Malachai. They cut their first album in 2004. It is great! They are in the
process of working on another album right now. If you want to order a copy email me and we'll work it out. I can't
remember exactly how much they are but they weren't expensivel.
Now I play the early service at our church here locally. I do percussion
(congas, chimes, shakers, tambourine, etc.) during the 10:30 a.m. service as well as play for some Holiday presentations.
We have three drummers at our church so that gives us one drummer per Sunday service and that way no-one gets stretched too
thin.
I guess this goes to show that God takes care of the big & the small
stuff and that you CAN teach and "old" dog new tricks!
